Inspired by the undeniable and life-altering impact our 9 lb, 16-year-old adoptee Gino has had on our lives, I started the House of Gino & Co., a 501(c)3 nonprofit animal sanctuary specializing in senior companion care. Tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains, our sanctuary provides a private, peaceful retreat for our residents, full of adventurous hikes, fresh air, spring water, and all the other be
nefits of life in the country. We currently have 17 (soon to be 19) dog residents ranging from 5 lb, quadriplegic Foxy Brown to 70 lb Julep, who was previously unable to find a permanent home due to being overly reactive towards humans. Additional residents are currently being monitored for epilepsy, collapsing tracheas, enlarged hearts, allergy conditions, chronic pancreatitis, behavioral issues, and mobility recovery. We have dogs that were saved from the meat trade in Korea, the streets of Miami and Costa Rica, hoarding situations, puppy mills, and euthanasia lists in kill shelters. Each day, we aspire to offer the comforts of a loving home to those who need a second (or third) chance at life. All of our residents are part of our family and receive the best care, from living within our home (most sleep in our bed or on our couch), to being provided top-notch, scientifically supported diets, visits from a well-practiced at-home vet, to medication and supplements as necessary, to full outdoor access, to specialized training. Each resident receives daily 1:1 care and attention, and new residents are integrated into the pack with the utmost care and skill. We are fortunate to work closely with several trusted shelters and rescues, each of whom are familiar with House of Gino’s pack dynamics. Typical adoptees come to us as a last resort — we take the dogs nobody else can accommodate (e.g., special needs, bonded pairs) or that have for whatever reason gone unadopted! And at House of Gino, each of these dogs finds their forever home! The opportunities here are endless and heartbreakingly beautiful. The difference we make in the daily lives of these dogs often brings us to tears. I always tell people that the moment I discovered true joy was the first time I saw one of our rescue dogs lay down in a comfortable bed, deeply sigh, and proceed to relax into the best sleep of his life. Each day, I make time to find gratitude for each of their lives and the ways they have allowed me, my family, and my community to understand the value of compassion and the true difference just a little bit of love can make. Ultimately, our mission at House of Gino is simple — to provide a loving home to all of our residents and fill their final chapter with joy, whether that’s green spaces to roam, a comfortable bed in which to rest, or a warm embrace and plenty of snuggles.
